The Denver Broncos were one of the biggest winners of the 2022 NFL offseason. Their search for a quarterback finally came to an end, as they were able to acquire Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks for a package that included multiple draft picks and players.
With Russell now in the fold, expectations are on the rise in Denver. After going 7-10 last season, the Broncos are expected to turn things around quickly. They have a new head coach in Nathaniel Hackett as well, which should only help the offense, replacing the defensive-minded Vic Fangio.
What can we expect from the Broncos with their new coaching staff and quarterback? Let’s take a look at some early bold predictions for the team during the 2022 season.
5. Bradley Chubb Returns To Form
The Broncos looked to have gotten a gift when Bradley Chubb fell into their lap as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was dominant as a rookie, playing in all 16 games while totaling 60 tackles with 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and five stuffs.
The Broncos looked to have a star bookend for Von Miller, but Chubb has been unable to replicate that same success since. Injuries have been a big reason why, as he has played in only 25 games the following three seasons.
Entering the final season of his rookie contract, Chubb will get things on track this season. Bookending free agent signing Randy Gregory, Chubb will enter free agency with another double-digit sack on his resume and cash in on a new contract in 2023.
4. Jerry Jeudy Breaks Out
The Broncos were expecting some great things when they used the No. 15 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on Jerry Jeudy. There was some surprise that he fell that far, but the Broncos were happy to snap his slide.
Unfortunately, he has not yet lived up to expectations. After playing in all 16 games as a rookie, Jeudy missed seven games in his second season, dealing with a high ankle sprain. Ineffective quarterback play has also been a culprit.
With Russell Wilson now under center, Jeudy will have a chance to break out and he will take full advantage. He will have his first 1,000-yard season in his career and catch seven touchdown passes as well.
3. Javonte Williams Rushes For 1,110 Yards
Fantasy Football managers were likely disappointed when it was announced that the Denver Broncos were re-signing Melvin Gordon. They were hoping that this would be Javonte Williams’ backfield and that the second-year player would have a chance to be an every down back.
While Gordon was brought back, this should be a backfield that starts tilting in favor of Williams. He had a huge performance with Gordon sidelined last season and should be the starter this season.
Both players rushed for over 900 yards last season, each receiving 203 rushing attempts. This season, Williams will out-carry his backfield mate and finish with over 1,100 rushing yards. A superior pass-catcher, Williams will handle a majority of the third-down work as well.
2. Russell Wilson Wins MVP
When you acquire a player as talented as Russell Wilson, heightened expectations are going to follow. Wilson will be up for the task and get recognized for his performance this season, earning his first MVP award.
Wilson’s presence will help improve a team that played relatively well last season given the circumstances. They had four losses last season by less than a touchdown; had they won half of those games, they could have earned a playoff spot.
Those closes should flip now that they have an upgrade at the quarterback position. Wilson will elevate this offense in ways that Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock were unable to and he will produce some big statistics as well.
1. Broncos Win AFC West
The Broncos haven’t done much winning the last few years. They have missed the postseason six straight seasons, last recording a winning record in 2016. That will change this season, as Denver will be contenders.
Wilson will lead the team to double-digit victories, the first time they will have done that since Peyton Manning was the starting quarterback. The Broncos will win at least 12 games, taking home the AFC West title in the process.
The front office’s big move acquiring Russell Wilson will pay off, as Denver will be right in the thick of things until the very end of the 2022 season.
